AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And are you here on official Rossi Famiglia business?” Uncle Gasparo asks.
“Not exactly,” I admit.
“Then you need to leave.” Dad’s grip tightens. He’s absolutely furious.
“Hold on a second.” Uncle Gasparo leans toward me. “I agree with Sanzio. We should hear her out.”
Dad’s face tightens. The other men are watching. His Capos and soldiers, all weighing his decision. Dad clearly wants to throw me out on my ass, but if his own brothers want to hear what I have to say, it’s hard for him to refuse.
“Fine,” he growls and jerks me toward the group. He gestures at them. “Speak your mind Allegra. Then you’re gone.”
I take a deep breath. The men stare at me and I meet their gazes, doing my best to summon every ounce of bravery I have in my little body. I assured Gian that this would be no big deal, but I was totally wrong.
This is ahugedeal.
Yeah, I’m related to a few of these people, and I was raised to treat most of the others like family, but right now they aren’t the funny, loudmouth assholes who I remember from family parties. These are dangerous mobsters in the middle of an important secret meeting. Sophia thinks they’re discussing the war and what to do about it. Allegedly, Dad’s talking them out of the fight, but he’s having trouble bringing them all around to his side. More than a few want to kill the Irish for what they did.
I’m not a little girl running around the adult table anymore.
I’m a lot stronger than that.
“I spoke with the Rossi men, and I’m here to make you all an offer.” I speak as loudly and as clearly as I can. My voice doesn’t shake, and I’m actually pretty proud of that.
“Then you are here on Rossi business,” Dad says, practically snarling.
“Easy, Rocco,” Uncle Sanzio says, sounding amused. “Don’t forget that the girl’s your daughter.”
“The girl’s a traitor,” Dad snaps.
This tone sends a jolt of bitterness down my spine. I raise my chin higher.
“What’s the offer?” Uncle Gasparo asks.
“I’m here to offer you the men who attacked your club in exchange for your pledge that you’ll join the war against the Aslanov Bratva and the Lynch Family.”
There’s more murmuring. Uncle Sanzio’s lips pull into a tight frown, and Uncle Gasparo looks grim. Dad shakes his head rapidly, fuming.
“Not remotely worthwhile,” he says, but he trails off when he turns to look at the gathered men.
Most of them are giving me hard stares, and in that moment, I realize something. Dad’s outnumbered. His Capos and their soldiers want to fight. They lost friends and revenue in that attack, and they don’t want to sit back and let it go unpunished. The Famiglia wants to show strength, while Dad wants to retreat and hide away.
“If the girl can really give us those bastards, we have to take her up on it,” Uncle Alvino says, standing up. He gestures around him. “You know how everyone feels, Don Rinaldo. You know we respect your wisdom and will back you in any choice you make. But those two Irish fucks murdered my guys. I want revenge.”
“I know how you feel, Alvino, but they won’t be the last to die if we go fight for the Rossis in a conflict that doesn’t involve us.”
His words hit blank stares. Even Uncle Sanzio and Uncle Gasparo back away from him. Dad looks small all of a sudden, lost under the pressure of his own men to do what’s right, to make the hard choice. They want strength, and even if Dad’s right in keeping his head down like the Milano Famiglia, they don’t care.
“How can we be sure you’ll follow through with your offer?” Uncle Alvino asks.
“I swear, if you agree, I’ll make sure they’re brought to you as quickly as possible.”
His eyebrows raise. “You have them already?” When I don’t answer, he turns to my father. “Don Rinaldo, please. I beg of you, please, accept this proposition.”
More men call out in support. Uncle Sanzio looks grim. “Rocco, I think it’s time,” he says.
Dad stares murder at me. I know what he’s thinking. And he’s absolutely right.
I did this on purpose.
